Julia Chubarova – Travel blog

Introduction

Madrid is my favorite European metropolis. Just imagine—a city that, for centuries, was the capital of an empire where the sun never set. It has witnessed the rise and fall of an empire, endured revolutions, wars, and dictatorships, and ultimately became the capital of one of the most vibrant countries in the European Union. Today, I’ll tell you what you can see and do in Madrid.

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What to See in Madrid in 1 Day

Many people visit Madrid just for a day. It might be a day trip from Barcelona, Valencia, or Málaga, or simply a layover between flights. If you only have one day in Madrid, here’s the best way to experience the city.

Start with a Free Walking Tour

I always recommend starting with a free walking tour. Surprisingly, in Madrid, the groups were incredibly small—only 3 to 8 people on each tour I took!

(What is a Free Walking Tour?)
A Free Walking Tour is a guided city tour led by local experts. While officially free, it’s customary to tip the guide as a sign of appreciation. These tours usually last between 1.5 to 3 hours and cover the city’s main landmarks. You can book a Free Walking Tour online—I usually use the Guruwalk app.

If you’re visiting Madrid for the first time, I highly recommend the “Madrid de los Austrias” tour. It takes you through the city’s historic center and covers some of Spain’s most significant historical periods: the end of the Reconquista, the reign of the Habsburgs, the War of Spanish Succession, and the arrival of the Bourbon dynasty.

Fun fact: The old town of Madrid is still called “Madrid de los Austrias”, after the Habsburg dynasty that ruled Spain.

A Self-Guided Tour of Madrid’s Main Attractions

If you prefer to explore on your own, follow this route to experience Madrid’s top landmarks:

1. Plaza Mayor – The city’s most famous square, historically used for public executions and markets.
2. Sobrino de Botín – The world’s oldest restaurant (est. 1725).
3. Royal Palace of Madrid – The largest royal palace in Europe. A guided tour is highly recommended.
4. Westin Palace Madrid – Ernest Hemingway stayed here during the Spanish Civil War.

(Hemingway and the Spanish Civil War)
Hemingway, the author of the most famous novel about the Spanish Civil War, For Whom the Bell Tolls, lived in Madrid during the conflict. The war involved fighters from 18 countries and served as a “training ground” for World War II. You can still see bullet holes from that era on buildings like Palacio de Cibeles.

Expressions like “Fifth Column” and “¡No pasarán!” originated during the war. If you’ve read Veniamin Kaverin’s Two Captains, you might remember that the main character fought on the Republican side, which was supported by the Soviet Union.

To dive deeper into this history, check out the Spanish TV series Las Cintas del Destino (Threads of Destiny).

5. Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales – A convent where you can buy pastries from nuns without seeing them.
6. Puerta del Sol – One of Madrid’s main squares. Do you know why it’s called “Gate of the Sun”?

Sunset & Dinner

After a long day of exploring, enjoy dinner on Gran Vía. But before that, don’t miss the sunset at Templo de Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple in Parque del Cuartel.

Templo de Debod was a gift from Egypt to Spain in 1968 as a token of gratitude for Spain’s help in saving historical monuments from flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

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What to See in Madrid in 2 Days

On your second day, take a leisurely walk down Gran Vía, from Plaza de España to Retiro Park.

Landmarks & Museums

• Plaza de España – A large square with a monument to Cervantes.
• Gran Vía 34 – A famous building featured in the Spanish TV series Velvet Gallery.
• Telefónica Building – The site of the first transatlantic phone call. It also appears in the series Las Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls).
• Bank of Spain – The location of the heist in the series La Casa de Papel (Money Heist).
• Prado Museum – One of the world’s greatest art museums.
• Palacio de Cibeles – Offers a panoramic rooftop view of Madrid.
• Retiro Park – The city’s most famous green space, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Evening: Madrid’s Broadway

Madrid’s Gran Vía is known as the Spanish Broadway, so why not watch a musical? Mamma Mia! and The Lion King are spectacular here!

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What to See in Madrid in 3 Days

On your third day, you can take another relaxed stroll through the city or go on a day trip to a nearby destination.

More details in my next article!

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Where to Eat in Madrid

I wouldn’t call myself a food expert, but here’s my selection:

Avoid:

• Chocolatería San Ginés – A historic café famous for churros, but sadly, their quality has declined.

Recommended:

• Mercado de San Miguel – A touristy but atmospheric market with delicious tapas.
• Café Federal – A trendy spot for healthy breakfasts.
• Mimi’s Creperia – Near Plaza Mayor, offering amazing pancakes, crêpes, and açaí bowls. Huge portions!
• Jardín Secreto de Salvador Bachiller – A “secret” rooftop café in a department store.
• Celicioso – A bakery chain specializing in gluten-free desserts.
• Honest Greens – A fantastic place for healthy meals.
• Tiki Taco – The best tacos in Madrid for just €2 each!

Where would you go first?